Abstract

Perinatal mortality in infants of diabetic women is about 8%¹ compared with 1.8% in the general population. Perinatal morbidity is also increased, and the risk of congenital malformation is 2–3 times normal.² The fetal risks are greater in women with significant diabetic complications such as severe retinopathy, nephropathy or neuropathy. In the care of pregnant diabetics close co-operation between obstetricians and physicians is essential.